*nods* that is what I was hoping for: A little reader patience until they got used to the idea. The main problem I have is that the book starts with one of these wonky pronoun sections, before the reader has a chance to really relate to anyone/thing in the story. For structural and logic reasons, the story needs to stay the way it is; however, perhaps I could try to sneak a little more personality into the opening.

That certainly couldn't hurt. :)

This is why musing to other writers is so helpful. The (possible) solution of tweaking the opening is such a D'oh! thing, but it didn't occur to me until I started to answer you. :D

Hope your trip is off to a wonderful start, btw.